Thursday, May 7, 2020

White-crowned Sparrow

Yesterday I spotted some movement on the mulched surface of the garden below my window and looked down.  It was a sparrow I hadn't seen before.  It was too close to use binoculars even, so it took a few pictures before we got a good look.

 I still wasn't sure at this point, but then Mrs. F.G. came to look and the rest of these photos are hers.

After a close look at these two photos it was obvious that this was a White-crowned Sparrow - no white patch on the throat and no inconspicuous yellow bits like the White-throated Sparrow.

Then this morning Mrs. F.G. spotted it sitting on the chair right outside the door.  It even seemed to look up at her, probably noticing the motion inside the window.  We wondered if it had hit the window, but it soon flew away, apparently ok.

The White-crowned Sparrow breeds in Alaska and arctic Canada, so it's just migrating through here now.  It winters in most of the continental United States and into Mexico.  This is the time of year we're most likely to see one.  I think I've only seen one once or twice before though, so I was pleased to see this one.


11 comments:

  1. Beautiful feather colouring, and what a treat to have it sitting on the chair, a perfect model before he flew off.

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  2. It dropped by fo check in with you both!

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  3. I'll be keeping an eye out for those White-crowned Sparrows. Not sure if I have ever seen one or not but I think so.

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  4. wow, amazing that it hung around and posed for so many photos!

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  5. They're beautiful birds, you were fortunate to have one in your yard and that it posed for photos. they winter south of us, so we too only get them as migrants.

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  6. It must like your place and may hang around a bit until our weather warms up a bit which I hope is soon!

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  7. i see a lot of these sparrows at my feeders, you captured some beautiful images!!

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  8. White-crowned Sparrow is a very attractive little bird. The white always seems to be brighter than in other species. They spend a few days in our yard every year, spring and fall, and we have four out there right now. The oranges have been in position for the orioles for a few days now, but no sign of the birds, although there have been numerous reports of them locally. Warbler migration seems to have slowed to a halt over the past couple of days. Stay well.

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  9. Great pictures! I can't say that I've ever seen a white-crowned sparrow.:)

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  10. They are abundant around here in the spring and summer. I know their call very well, and I enjoy your closeup shots very much. Thank you for your lovely comments on my blog. They make my day! :-)

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  11. They are all nice photos. The bird seemed to be very friendly.

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